Local dog 'bow-wows' 'em at Westminster

WASHINGTON COUNTY -- Sondra Riser's dog Demetri was chosen as one of the top in its breed at the Westminster Kennel Club's dog show in New York City on Monday.

Riser was pleased, but said she thought Demetri, a bouvier des Flandres, could have won.

"I had hoped for more," she said during a phone interview. "I play to win."

Demetri is the fourth bouvier that the Hagerstown-area woman and her husband, Dave Riser, have shown at the prestigious dog show.

Two have won best in breed -- Sir in 2000 and Joey in 2006.

A winner and a "best of opposite sex" are chosen in each breed.

Demetri, whose registered name is Ch. Quiche's Demetrius, was one of two bouviers who received an award of merit, similar to an honorable mention.

Nineteen bouviers competed this year.

Sondra Riser said Demetri finished 2008 as the No. 1 dog in Canada, where he was bred by handler Louise Paquette. Riser said he won Eukanuba and National Specialty dog shows, giving her hope he'd do well at Westminster.

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Demetri won best of breed at Westminster last year, before Louise Paquette transferred ownership to the Risers.